Geranium plant named ‘Global Deep Lilac’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct free flowering ivy geranium plant with distinctive bright lilac colored flowers with striking dark orchid eye above medium green foliage. The new variety exhibits superior heat tolerance over other ivy geranium varieties known to the inventor.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Pelargonium×peltatum (ivy geranium).

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

‘Global Deep Lilac’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofPelargonium×peltatum known by the varietal name ‘Global Deep Lilac’. Thenew variety was discovered in a selected breeding program in Lompoc,Calif. as Breeder No. 5DG1683-2. The new variety is a result of crossbreeding of ‘Butterfly’ (female, unpatented) and ‘Cindy’ (male,unpatented). The new variety exhibits a similar flower type to ‘Cindy’and a similar flower color to ‘Butterfly’ yet with much better heattolerance than either parent. The new variety was first asexuallyreproduced by cuttings in Connellsville, Pa. The new variety has beentrial and field tested at Connellsville and has been found to retain itsdistinctive characteristics and remain true to type through successivepropagations.

The cultivar, when grown in a glass greenhouse in Connellsville, Pa.using natural light and temperatures of 60° F. night and 68° F. day, hasa response time of 12 weeks from a rooted cutting to flowering in a 10inch pot. The response time was determined on plants grown in soillessmedia employing constant fertilizer 200-250 parts per million ofnitrogen and potassium in full light. Three cuttings planted in a potand pinched at four weeks produce a finished hanging basket.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying photographic drawing illustrates the new variety, withthe color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrationsof this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected by asexual reproductions carried out by Oglevee, Ltd. inConnellsville, Pa. Plants described were about 8 weeks from a rootedcutting. The color readings were taken on a plant under 65-75 footcandles of fluorescent cool white light. Color references are primarilyto The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London.

PLANT

Form: Compact, cascading mound.

Height: 13-17 cm from media surface to top of foliage in a 4 inch pot.

Diameter: 20 cm.

Strength: Does not require artificial support.

Rooting time: Roots visible to outside of a dirt plug in 10-14 days.

Leaves:

Attachment.—Alternate.

Stipules.—Two per node.

Size.—Length: 7-9 cm. Width: 5-6 cm. Zone: 1 cm from petiole attachment;zone is 5 mm wide.

Shape.—Reniform; cordate base.

Apex.—Somewhat rounded.

Margin.—Entire lobed.

Texture.—Rubbery, highly reflective, shiny.

Pubescence.—Very fine.

Color.—Upper surface: 137A. Lower surface: 144A. Zone: 177A, morenoticeable on younger leaves.

Ribs and veins.—Venation: Palmate. Color: 144A.

Petioles:

Color.—144A.

Length.—3.5-5 cm.

Stem:

Color.—144A.

Internode length.—1-5 cm.

THE BUD

Shape when no color showing:

Overall.—Elongated, elliptical cluster.

Individual bud.—Elliptical or oval.

Size when no color showing:

Overall.—2-3.5 cm across cluster.

Individual bud.—1-1.2 cm long; 5-6 mm wide.

Number of buds per cluster: 6-11.

Color: 75C with markings of 59C.

Pubescence: Long hairs.

INFLORESCENCE

Blooming habit: Continuous flowering throughout growing season; free andearly flowering.

Size of umbel: 8-10 cm in diameter.

Borne: Umbel, flowers on pedicel, pedicel on peduncle, 7-10 cm abovefoliage.

Flowers:

Form.—Flat to slightly cupped; ruffled, semi-double.

Number of flowers per umbel.—5-9.

Size.—Diameter: 4.7-5.2 cm wide; 2.5 cm long. Depth: 1-1.5 cm.

Petals:

Color.—Upper surface: 75A with some petals shading to 75C at the middle.

Lower surface: 75B overall. Some petals exhibit 75A at outer edgeshading to 75C toward the center and 75D at the base of the petal.Veining shows through. Eye: Not present on all petals and varies in sizeand color when present. Each flower has at least 2 petals with a largeeye on them. The eye color ranges between 59A, 61A, 74A, 71A, and 73A.Shape: Oval to heart shaped. Size: 2.3-3.0 cm long; 1.7-2.2 cm wide.Apex: Rounded. Base: Pointed. Margin: Entire. Number per flower: 9-12.Texture and appearance: Highly reflective, smooth, velvety.

Tonality from a distance.—Bright lavender blossoms with striking darkorchid eye above medium green foliage.

Petaloids:

Quantity.—0-7.

Shape.—Irregular; twisted; tubular; petal shaped; long narrow; someholding pollen.

Color.—Same as petals.

Pedicel:

Length.—3.5-3.9 cm.

Color.—144A and 187B.

Peduncle:

Length.—8-13 cm.

Color.—144A.

Lasting quality: Umbels last 7-14 days.

Disease/pest resistance: No unusual susceptibility to diseases or pestshas been noted to date.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Stamens:

Anthers.—2-3 mm.

Filaments.—Length: 0.6-1.2 cm. Color: White with lavender. Pollen:Orange.

Pistils:

Number.—One.

Length.—1.2 cm.

Stigma.—Color: Orchid/dark lavender.

Style.—0.5-0.7 cm long.

Ovaries.—Superior, pubescent, 0.6-0.7 cm long, 2 mm wide, green.

Fruit: None observed.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of geranium plant substantiallyas shown and described.